The Vendor-Client Relationship in Real World Situations

Family Promise Concert 09 Poster Front

Family Promise Concert 09 Poster Front, originally uploaded by polyholly.

This is the second year I've done the poster for the Strathdee's Family Promise Benefit Concert. Just wanted to share some of my work :)

To Be or Not to Be

For several years now I’ve been struggled with my call to ordained ministry. The main question has been “How is ordination as a Deacon any different from being a non-ordained church professional?” And as often as I am satisfied with someone’s answer to this question, I soon lose my conviction.

I often wonder, as I continue to move my way (slowly) through the process, if all the hoop jumping is worth the stamp of approval at the end of it all. And it comes down to this next question: “What is the purpose of ordination?”

My understanding (at 6:27pm on July 16, 2009) of the purpose of ordination is this: to set persons apart as leaders in the church. It is a way for the church to recognize those who have the gifts and education to serve in ministry and for individuals to make a statement about their commitment to the work and mission of the Church.

I have recently come to a realization about myself. I’ve vacillated back and forth about whether or not ordination is the right thing for me. When people ask me how the process is going I usually just say “It’s going.” I have been very vague about my intentions to be ordained. In my District Committee interviews for the past 3 years I have been unwilling to make a commitment one way or another about ordination or a life as a dedicated lay person.

Since my hiatus from ministry, I have become increasingly aware of my desire to be in leadership in the church. I know that I am not meant to be an administrative assistant for the rest of my life. And the longer I am out of a ministry context the stronger my desire is to serve in a congregation, leading worship, teaching and working with others to make the Kingdom of God a reality in the here and now.

I think, in the past, I had a hard time making the absolute decision to seriously pursue ordination because I didn’t want to make the commitment. I think I’ve been reluctant to admit that I am an adult and have recently decided that it is time for me to take myself and my calling seriously.

6-28-09 Sermon: Practicing Worship

Please pray with me… may the words of my mouth and the meditations of all of our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O God, our strength and our redeemer… Amen.

I’d like to start off this morning with a little bit of history about me. I realize that, while many of you have met me, you probably don’t know much about me or the journey I have taken before I arrived at the doors of Fair Oaks UMC about a year and a half ago.

I grew up in Sacramento and was baptized and confirmed at St. Mark’s UMC. It was my time in confirmation that really got me started thinking about spiritual things and wanting to explore my relationship with God and understand how to live my life according to the example of Jesus. I became very active in the youth group and other church activities. I participated in Sierra Service Project, was on the sacred dance team, and was on the youth council.

In 1998 I went off to college with the hope of becoming an electrical engineer. Two quarters later I changed my major to Liberal Studies so I could go to seminary. I had heard God’s call to ministry, specifically youth ministry.

I went to seminary at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in the northern suburbs of Chicago. I learned a lot of things during my time in the windy city: you can’t wear Birkenstocks year round… hats and scarves are not optional in the winter… a jacket in Chicago consists of more than a single layer of knit cotton… and I learned a little something about theology and ministry as well.

There were lots of things I loved about my experience at Garrett. I thoroughly enjoyed the theological discourse at meals. I loved collaborating with other people with similar passions and interests. And I fed off of the myriad of worship opportunities that were provided. There were times when I worshiped six times in single week, perhaps taking communion in each setting. But the best part was that each service was different. We had a traditional service on Tuesdays, a Thursday service that offered more contemporary or informal music and liturgy, and a gospel service on Wednesday evenings. I also participated in worship services on Sundays at nearby churches or for my field education.

In addition to these, there was another worship service that my friends and I started called The Altar. This group of about 6-8 people felt a need for something different than what was already being offered. We wanted something a bit more contemplative and interactive. Less liturgy, but more ritual. We sang old hymns as well as the newest Christian rock worship songs. We read scripture, shared our stories, prayed for one another and ate with one another. And in our worship, we did not face front. We faced each other, in a circle, around the altar. Our musicians stood outside the circle so as to not be the focus of attention.

So, why am I sharing all of this? Because as much as I had invested in this one worship service, it was merely ONE way I experienced and worshiped God during my time in seminary. I found meaning and value in each and every one of the services I attended and I was so thankful to have had the opportunity to experience such an eclectic array of worship styles each week.

In this sermon series we have been talking about ways we can nurture spiritual growth and today I want to offer worship as one way we can grow spiritually. But I seem to be preaching to the choir, aren’t I? Afterall, YOU are already here. So what am I talking to you for? Well, watch out, because I am going to challenge the common understanding of the word worship.

We usually hear it used as a noun:
“Hey, I’m going to worship at Fair Oaks UMC this morning. Want to come along?”

Or as a verb:
“I’m obsessed with Brad Pitt. I worship the ground he walks on.”

But what if worship became more than a noun or a verb? What if we decided that it was a way of living. A way of being.

In Psalm 150 we get a glimpse of the psalmists understanding of worship. “praise the Lord… praise God in his sanctuary… praise him with tambourine and dance… let everything that breathes praise the Lord.”

Mark takes this a little bit further…
“One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, ‘Which commandment is the first of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The first is, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’”

Jesus’ answer to the scribe’s question indicates that our highest calling is to love God, to worship God. Notice, though, that he didn’t say, “Love the Lord your God by meeting for an hour each Sunday.” He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Love God with your whole body, with all that you are and all that you do.

But, did you know that this phrase wasn’t new to the Jews? It is called the Shema and is found in the book of Deuteronomy. It continues in Deuteronomy to say, “Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a song on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

Then Jesus made an addendum to the Deuteronomy text. In Matthew’s account of the Gospel, Jesus says, “and a second commandment is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” For Jesus, loving God and loving neighbor are synonymous with one another. By loving our neighbor, we are loving God.

So what does this all mean? I want to make myself very clear. I truly find value in what we do here at Fair Oaks UMC. I believe that the kind of worship we offer here on Sunday mornings is meaningful and rich. My challenge to you is to think of worship as a way of life, not just something we do for an hour on Sunday mornings. Let’s find ways we can honor God and our neighbors in all we do each and every day. And, after all, we are talking about spiritual “practices”, right?

When learning a new instrument, we practice several times a week. When we first start out we work on the basics. We learn the scales of notes. We get used to the instrument in our hands. We start off with a few easy songs. But as we master the basics, we need to keep moving forward, on to harder and more challenging songs, stretching the limits of what we feel we are able to do with the instrument. If we kept playing the same familiar and comfortable songs, we’d never move past Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. It is our love of music and the sound and feel of the instrument that motivates us to press ahead and challenge ourselves to master the instrument and create amazing and beautiful music.

It is the same with our relationship with God and with others. It is great to find a church where you feel comfortable and accepted. But don’t we sometimes get a little too comfortable? For those of you who have been here for a while, try and remember what it was like the first time you stepped foot in this church, or any church. You probably felt a bit timid, unsure of what the people would be like. Wondering…
Where is the bathroom?
Are MY children allowed to go to Sunday school?
Can I trust the teachers?
I hope I’m not singing off key.
I wish someone would say hello.
I hope no one says hello.

Most of you don’t have those questions or thoughts anymore. And that’s great! We want to be a welcoming congregation and I think we do it well. But perhaps its time for you to look for the next challenge, the next step in nurturing your spiritual growth. So maybe you’re asking, what’s next?

I’m glad you asked. I’d like to share a few ideas with you. You can write them down, type them in your blackberry, make a mental note, or completely ignore me, but I hope that you’ll consider taking one of these practices and introducing it into your week.

Choose a meaningful word or phrase from scripture or a favorite prayer and focus on this word or phrase while doing everyday ordinary tasks: vacuuming, gardening, washing dishes, making lunch for your kids. It could be as simple as reciting, out loud or to yourself, this phrase: “Loving God, pour out your Holy Spirit on me.” or repeating the Lord’s Prayer. It may sound silly, but you are turning an ordinary chore into a time for meditation and prayer.

Go to a worship service at another church, especially one that worships differently than we do or maybe even one that you know differs from your theology. Go with a friend and discuss the service afterward. You’ll challenge yourself theologically and you may even discover a new style of worship that speaks to you that you had never experienced before.

Participate in a book discussion group that focuses on theological themes and issues.

Keep sack lunches or McDonald’s gift cards in your car to give out to people in need.

Thank God for the many blessings you have received and then pass those blessings on to someone else.

Share the stories of faith with your children. Not just Bible stories, but YOUR stories and theirs of encounters with the divine. Help your kids recognize God in their lives and that God works in ALL areas of their lives, not just when they’re in Sunday school.

These are just a few ways you can worship, and there are countless others. Perhaps you’ve already got something on your mind. Maybe you’re feeling called to start a new group at church. Maybe you feel led to volunteer somewhere. Whatever it is, just remember that our whole lives are an act of worship.

“Hear, O Fair Oaks UMC: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength… and you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Amen.

hover cat?

i found this online as i was wasting time at work (shhh... don't tell my boss)... i just thought it was funny and needed to share it :) you can find this image and other silly kitty pictures at lolcats.com

one year ago

it was about this time last year that i left my position at first united methodist as the part-time youth pastor... that part of my journey was filled with confusion, sadness, anger and a lot of questioning about God's call on my life... i have spent the past year mostly doing something totally unrelated to youth ministry as sort of a way of clearing my head and hoping that some distance from youth ministry would shed some light on why things weren't working out for me in that field... i've had the opportunity to discover what things i miss about youth ministry, what i would do differently and what i still have convictions about.

here is a little bit about what i've learned/discovered...
- i can't do ministry in a vacuum... in other words, a committed team of volunteers is essential
- i still believe that a major part of being a youth pastor is to equip the volunteers to do ministry
- before going into any ministry situation, be clear about expectations on both sides
- i miss hanging out with teenagers... i miss being there when they have an ah-ha moment and need someone to talk to
- i don't miss all-nighters or punky, know-it-all kids
- i miss teaching confirmation to squirrelly (and often insightful) 8th graders
- i miss the opportunities to give people new and interesting ways to encounter/experience God
- i think this Deacon thing could actually work out for me

so, none of this is ground-breaking stuff... but, i've been struggling with my call for quite some time and i feel like (for the first time since seminary) that i may be headed on the right path afterall... i've decided to take on a more active (if not pastoral) role at the church i am now attending and hoping to get a taste of what its like to be a deacon (my primary appointment at st. john's lutheran, my secondary appt at fair oaks umc)... who knows... maybe i'll even get inspired to work on my disciplinary questions some time soon :) (or not... lets not get too carried away)

twenty things i'm thankful for in 2008

in no particular order...

1. my job
2. my supervisor
3. my co-workers
4. chloe (my pupinator)
5. my parents
6. my grandma and grandpa
7. my grandma's caretakers
8. school
9. connecting with old friends
10. my trip to SLO with the girls
11. the 24" iMac in my office at work :)
12. my wii
13. standing on my own two feet again
14. fair oaks umc
15. wall-e
16. the opportunity to be creative
17. the music circus
18. closed doors
19. open windows
20. God's light in the darkness (can I get an AMEN?!)

twenty random things i miss...

in no particular order

1. trapper keepers
2. math homework
3. walking in the snow to study with friends at panera
4. theological conversations with teenagers
5. oscar
6. how easy it was to make friends when i was in school
7. dunkin donuts munchkins
8. wesley jokes over dinner in the garrett cafeteria
9. thursday night farmer's market in SLO
10. friends who will go see a movie at a moments notice
11. sierra service project
12. getting new clothes, shoes and school supplies each august
13. training with Team in Training
14. playing guitar with the guys at SLOUMC
15. singing country roads at the top of my lungs
16. drinking espresso at the piazza san marco in venice
17. how magical christmas was when i was younger
18. being attached
19. living in yosemite
20. swimming

Vote NO on Prop 8

I just want to go on record as saying that I have voted NO on Prop 8. For those of you who don't live in California, Prop 8, if passed, will change the California constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry. If you do live in California, I urge you to vote NO on Proposition 8. Regardless of your views on homosexuality, discrimination is wrong. Prop 8 will build discrimination into our constitution. If you don't live in California, please keep us in your prayers as this next election comes and goes.

While looking on the No on Prop 8 website I found a variety of commercials that have been put together. This one, which I haven't seen on tv, spoofs the mac vs. windows commercials. Just thought I'd share it.

good ol' two-eight

sooo, this weekend i am going out of town (to tiburon to be exact) with my parents for my birthday... i will be turning twenty-eight on monday... its sort of a boring birthday... no big milestones... just one year closer to the BIG three-OH... its definitely been a year of ups and downs... thankfully i'm at an up part and have been for awhile now... if only i could figure out what i want to be when i grow up... eh, thats over-rated... anyway, there ya have it... let's give a warm welcome to good ol' two-eight.

something funny to launch you into the weekend

Someone tuned me on to this blog which offers photos of cake decorating gone wrong.

Here are few posts to peruse...
Creative Grammar
Beyond Bizarre

Montana de Oro

This past weekend I spent some time in San Luis Obispo with some girlfriends from college. We rented a house in Los Osos, ate tons of great food, and caught up with each other. On Friday morning Christy and I took a hike out at Montana de Oro, and I thought I'd share the photos with you. Enjoy :)

Word of the Day

fal·de·ral
[fal-duh-ral]
–noun
1. mere nonsense; foolish talk or ideas.
2. a trifle; gimcrack; gew-gaw.

For whatever reason this word has been in my head all day. I love how "gimcrack" and "gew-gaw" are used to describe this word. Who the heck knows what those words mean? At least they're fun to say :)

Here's to falderal, nonsense, gimcrack and gew-gaw... Cheers!

I've become IKEA furniture

Ready... Set... Launch!

Today, after months of hard work, we finally launched the new website for St. John's Lutheran Church. Thanks to Digital Deployment St. John's has a darn cool website that has tons of potential and we're hoping to get the congregation to see more as a tool rather than a static, cumbersome online document. I hope you'll take a look and let me know what you think.